First Impressions: Moorim School

After seeing all the trailers and explanations about Moorim School I had no idea what this show was about. After watching the first episode I still have no idea, but I think I might enjoy the ride. 

Not only does the show boast an impressive and diverse cast, it also appeals to the fantasy lover in me. So, what I gleaned from the first episode is that Moorim is a mysterious martial arts school. However, it seems to be much more than that and it looks like our two male leads (Lee Hyun Woo and VIXX's Hongbin) are in for a ride. 

The first thing that attracted me to the show was the chance to see Lee Hyun Woo in another drama, but as more of the cast was unveiled the more excited I got. I haven't been following VIXX fan for long but I can say that I am happy to see another member show off some serious acting chops. Also, our female leads (Seo Ye Ji and Jeong Eugene) have continued to show off their talents in project after project. I also know I'm not the only one who is super stoked to see Shin Hyun Joon and Sam Okyere in another drama! 

KBS has yet to fail me in a high school drama or a fantasy drama so I am looking for to this project as much as the next fan girl. If you were also wondering whether or not to make this drama your first of 2016 I say go for it. I'm sure that the show will be riddled with cliches but it also looks that it'll be filled with crazy stunts and shirtless scenes of Lee Hyun Woo and Hong Bin (I'm not joking). 

First Impressions: Last, Mrs. Cop, Yong Pal

It is once again time for another crop of dramas, and since it's summer the action dramas are almost nonstop. I have yet to see an action drama that I didn't like, but the jury is still out on three of the newest action packed k-dramas.

photo credit: asianwiki.com

Last is about Jang Tae Ho, a stock manipulator who becomes homeless after a deal goes horribly wrong. So far I've only seen two episodes but I'm already on the edge of my seat dying to know what will happen next. In just two episodes Jang Tae Ho has been murdered, come back to life, and is well on his way to becoming a crime boss among homeless men. If that's not intriguing enough for you then let me tell you about Kwak Ham Seung played by Lee Bum Soo. His character holds the most mysteries in my opinion. How'd he become like the king of homeless people? I really need to know how one makes something like that happen. There are so many questions but I think the most exciting idea from the show is the fact that there is hope in the bleakest of situations. We get to see how one man does what he can to turn his life back around. Of course, I don't think any of it will be legal, but it will be thrilling.

photo credit: asianwiki.com

Mrs. Cop is about Choi Young Jin, a female detective and single mom. I am assuming that the show will be about balancing life as a tough cop and life as a sweet mom. Already we see that Choi Young Jin has a hard time actually balancing the two roles and frequently chooses cop over mom. Although this is a very familiar concept it seems that it will definitely be one worth watching as we've already seen how much more focused on cop work than mom work the main character is. What I am hoping from the show it that it lacks as many cliches as possible. The whole woman-should-be-at-home-taking-care-of-her-child thing isn't wrong but this woman is a single mom, if she doesn't do her job then she really won't be able to take care of her daughter. So far, I've only seen one episode and from what I can see there is another theme that will be more impactful: life of a cop vs life as a father/husband/mother/wife, etc. I think that even though the show will mostly be focusing on Choi Young Jin's journey it will not neglect the other members and their journeys for balance as well. I am optimistic that the show's theme will be well written and I'm confident that it will be well acted.

photo credit: asianwiki.com

Yong Pal is about Kim Tae Hyun, a young surgeon who tries to make money to take care of his sister any way he can, including operating on gangsters outside of the hospital. So far, I love this show. It has thoughtful action, snippets of comedy, and of course lots of hospital scenes (I don't know where my preference for medical dramas is coming from these days.) In the first two episodes, the writers and actors have managed to capture my attention and I am so excited for the continuation of the show. The only thing I am not understanding at this point is Kim Tae Hee's role, but I am sure that will come with more episodes. I think the thing I like most about this show is Joo Won playing the genius surgeon who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, who seems cold on the outside but is actually very thoughtful, and who is cocky and arrogant but not afraid to beg when need be. He just one of those actors that you look forward to watching. I've only seen him in four other productions and in each one he's been someone different. That type of acting prowess is hard to come by these days so even if it's a commercial, if Joo Won's in it I will be watching it. 

First Impressions: High Society & Hidden Identity

When I saw the announcements for these shows I was really really excited. I honestly haven't seen Kim Bum in anything since I watched Boys Over Flowers (my fault for not being attentive). Also, I've become a fan of Uee since watching her in Hogu's Love and Park Hyungsik since watching him in The Heirs. I don't even need to talk about my excitement at seeing Sung Joon in something new. I was just all around ready for these two dramas and thankfully they have finally come to me. 

Cue my happy face. 

Anyway, I've watched the first two episodes of both shows and indeed I was not disappointed. For more specific details on how I felt upon first watching please continue reading. 

High Society (aka The Privileged)

So, I am not going to lie, I am getting serious Heirs vibes, but like a more adult version of The Heirs. Uee is playing a character very similar to her Hogu's Love character. She's blunt and not afraid of saying what she's thinking. It's always a bit refreshing to get female characters like this, but I think the thing that is going to make this drama special is that none of the characters are actually what they seem to be. At first glance Sung Joon's character (Choi Joon Ki) seems like a nice, poor guy who has to work his way up the ranks to get any recognition. However, he also seems to be calculative and cold in some ways. I am looking forward to seeing the future interactions between the characters and how they develop as they get what they want or lose what they wanted. So far the double life that Uee is living also seems to be on verge of unraveling and it's only been two episodes. As of now I know that 5 or 6 of the episodes have been released, so I need to catch up and see if any of my original feelings and thoughts will stick. I definitely recommend this show though, if nothing else you can at least count on some Grade A acting.

Hidden Identity

I had to take a pause and absorb the greatness that is this show after watching the first two episodes. I really didn't know what to expect from this show. So far, tVN nor Kim Bum have disappointed me but I wasn't expecting a show this good. Pretty boy Kim Bum, who has never been shy of using his fists in dramas, slimmed down for the role of a disgruntled cop. Even though the change was drastic and shocking, he now fits in perfectly with the darkness of the show. The show is well cast and at the moment it is well written. Every episode is like a mini movie full of action and suspense. I think the suspense is really killing me. It's only been two episodes and so many unimaginable events have occurred, waiting to see how they'll turn out has me on the edge of my seat. If you're a fan of the action dramas then you will love this show.

These were must-watch dramas for me so I am very happy that they are finally out. If you're pondering watching either then do not hesitate any longer. I definitely recommend both. I am watching High Society on Viki and Hidden Identity on DramaFever. 

Bride of the Century: First Impresssions

It's really great to see Lee Hong Ki again. The only drama I've seen him in was You're Beautiful in which he played the cheerful Jeremy. This drama is a welcome change of pace. His character is very cold and calculating--I am really enjoying seeing that from him.

Aside from Lee Hong Ki's impressive performance this show offers so many other enjoyable aspects and it's only been the four episodes.

Description from DramaFever:

"In this fairytale-like melodrama, Choi Kang Joo (Lee Hong Ki) is the cold heir of one of Korea’s most powerful conglomerates, Taeyang Corporation. He is engaged to an eligible young lady from a small southern island, Doo Rim (Yang Jin Sung), but there’s just one problem: the first bride of the family’s first son is always cursed to die. The curse began 100 years ago when the bride of the family’s first son had a tragic death. Suddenly, before the wedding, Doo Rim disappears and the company conspires to replace her with a look-alike, Yi Hyun (also played by Yang Jin Sung), who has a sinister scheme of her own."

It is planned to be 16 episodes and also stars Yang Jin Sung as Doo Rim/ Yi Kyung.

My Thoughts:

This drama started off so well and I am really hoping that things stay this enjoyable. It's funny and kind of scary (so many unexpected developments plus a freaky ghost). As I said above, I am most enjoying seeing a different side of Lee Hong Ki. He's still super cute, but I like seeing a mean side to him. Some comments have stated that he wasn't the right fit for the role because he is too cute, but I think that he is showing great range and this show is a good platform for him to show his potential as an actor. I also enjoy the character of Doo Rim who is well-meaning and sweet but is sometimes a little clueless. However, her innocence makes for some pretty amusing situations especially between she and Kang Joo.

The story line, at this point, is a bit predictable though. I can very clearly see that though the main characters hate each other now they will soon fall in love. However, it is still to be seen whether or not their love affair will be an easy one. There are some sneaky things going on that may cause a few hidden bumps on the road to marital bliss.

Despite that, I highly recommend the show. If nothing else, it is entertaining. I sometimes feel that fans of K-dramas over analyze the shows and talk themselves into disliking a decent show. These shows were created for entertainment and nothing more, there's no need to constantly dissect the show.

I am watching this show for two reasons: to see Lee Hong Ki and to laugh. After power marathon-ing Empress Ki I need some laughter in my life and thankfully this show has it. Also, the comedy isn't thrown in your face. the show isn't trying too hard to be comedic or serious, it just is what it is when it needs to be. I suggest that you take the ride.

Tell what you think of the show if you watched it.

Thanks for reading!